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The risk of cancer of the nervous system due to occupational exposure to lead was investigated. The incidence of nervous system cancer in 18,329 men and 2,412 women, whose blood lead (7439921) concentrations were monitored during the period of 1973 to 1983, was determined using the Finnish Cancer Registry for the period 1973 through 1988. A nested case/referent study was conducted to assess the associations of nervous system cancer with indices of lifetime lead exposure; followup was through 1990. There were 26 cases and 200 matched referents. Living cases or next of kin complete a questionnaire concerning work history, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Workers with blood lead levels greater than or equal to 1.4 micromole/liter had a two fold increase in the odds ratio for nervous system cancer, compared to workers with blood lead levels at or below 0.7 micromole/liter. There was an age specific increase in the risk of nervous system cancer, which was explained by an increase in the risk of gliomas. Lifetime exposure to lead was found to be associated with the incidence of glioma. The authors conclude that occupational exposure to lead, alone or in combination with other agents may be associated with an increased risk of gliomas.